Q: How would I know if my program is eligible for funding?

A: Please first check the Oral Health Foundation website under eligibility requirements.  Also, the Foundation welcomes written inquires that will be reviewed by Foundation staff.  Applicants will receive an email response to their general eligibility questions within two weeks of Foundation receipt.

The Foundation does not fund projects or programs directly to individuals, new building or endowment campaigns, lobbying or influencing the outcome of elections, individual scholarships or individually-owned projects, clinical research, free care clinics, replacement of public, private or indirect funding, or expenses already incurred.

Q: Is the Foundation changing its funding priorities?

A: In 2008, The Foundation will continue to fund programs that help to accomplish these strategic goals:

• Reduce oral health disparities through better access to preventive oral health care.
• Reduce the incidence of dental disease through evidence-based public health interventions.
• Increase public understanding of the importance of good oral health as a component of overall health.
• Enhance the existing public health workforce to meet the diverse needs of residents.

Specifically in 2008, the Foundation is soliciting proposals from eligible nonprofits and government organizations for the following grant initiatives for 2008 funding cycle:

• Grants for sealant programs 
• Grants for community solutions to oral health disparities

The Foundation invites those seeking grants to contact us to discuss opportunities for funding within 2008 strategic grantmaking guidelines.  Please call Judith Foley, Senior Program Officer at 617-886-1466.

Q: As a prior grantee of the Foundation, is it likely that my eligibility for future funding will change?

A: The Oral Health Foundation reviews the status of its multiyear grantees on an annual basis.  The Foundation expects to continue to honor its multiyear commitments based on current grant conditions.

Q: What does the Foundation consider a systems change approach to improving oral health?

A: A systems change approach intends to address root causes to problems by: 1.) Identifying multiple factors that contribute to oral health diseases 2.) Determining action plans that promote collaboration among political, social, economic, cultural and individual factors that can be determinants of health, and 3.) Integrating strategic community action for better oral health outcomes. 

Oral health is an integral part of overall health and is influenced by a number of factors including an individual’s biology, beliefs, culture, social and economic conditions, and physical environments.  Changes in community conditions and systems are an important mechanism for achieving lasting health effects. 

Through its philanthropic responses the Foundation seeks to reduce health inequities, focus on prevention, foster civic engagement, and influence systems that promote oral health in a broader context than the clinical setting.

Among the promising means to attain optimal oral health outcomes, the Foundation includes the following strategies for system changes:

• A stable and viable safety net for oral health care.
• Public understanding of the importance of oral health to overall health.
• Enhancements in systems that reach children and other vulnerable populations.
• Culturally competent oral health professionals and care systems.
• Community-based prevention programs that offer local solutions to oral health problems.

Q: How are funding requests reviewed?

A: Foundation staff perform an initial review for eligibility.  External expert reviewers participate in the review of proposals to assess community impact, program and evaluation design, and business plan analysis. The Grant Review Committee, made up of a subset of Directors also review the proposals and make final recommendations for funding to the full Board.  Funding decisions for all applications are made by the Oral Health Foundation Board of Directors.

Q: Does the Foundation conduct site visits as part of the review process?

A: Site visits may be part of the review process, depending on the proposed program design. 

Q: Can an organization apply for multiple grants during one grant cycle?

A: An organization may submit more than one funding request in 2008.  Our decision-making process is based primarily on the quality of design and proposed results, and sustainability of the program design that match our funding guidelines.  We understand that more than one proposed program might deserve consideration for funding. In such cases, applicants are strongly encouraged to discuss potential opportunities with Program staff prior to submission.

Q: What should I do if I still have questions after reading the Guidelines for Grantseekers?

A: Please call us at 617-886-1700 or email your question to ohf@oralhealthfoundation.org.  We look forward to speaking with you!

Q: How long will it take before I am notified of the grant application decision?

A: The Foundation expects that funding decisions for 2008 applications received in March will be made by Mid May.

Q: Will the Foundation sponsor educational conferences?

A: The Foundation has limited resources available for educational conferences. (Please see types of grants with associated guidelines)

Q: Does the Foundation provide sponsorships for fundraising events?